With City of Mandurah elections fast approaching, here are the statements submitted by Council hopefuls seeking election.
Ballot papers must be received by the Council by 6pm, October 17.
For more information about the election go to the City of Mandurah's website.
COASTAL WARD
JONES, Tahlia
My husband, a local teacher and I have resided in the Peel region all of our lives. Since marrying we have made the beautiful city of Mandurah our home. As an assistant director in State Government, I work with communities to improve health/mental health and disability services for all West Australians. What I hear is the greater need for localised services. With a degree in governance, I have a sound understanding of what constitutes good practice with board and committee experience. I will deal with matters put before me with integrity and independence. I'm passionate about: capping rates to inflation, a greater balance between building new infrastructure and passing costs onto rate payers, protecting our waterways, incorporating environmental considerations into planning to preserve our ward, tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, and improving partnerships with police, council and our community. Let's work together to preserve the lifestyle Mandurah affords its residents.
PEMBER, Donald
I have lived in Mandurah since 1988, and am a grandfather to three young boys. It is essential we preserve the natural beauty of our city, but also ensure the people of Mandurah have access to modern facilities. I stand for: a safe and secure Mandurah, creating jobs through small business, no Dawesville Cut caravan park, fight for funds for rehabilitation of the estuary. A vibrant arts and entertainment culture is important to me as a way to engage residents and visitors. Our youth deserve a range of experience and education opportunities. I am CEO of Coolibah Total Caring, and my experience prior to that includes: general manager of Peel Health Campus, chair f Peel Health Campus board of advice, director of Peel Personnel, and chairman of Bridgewater Residents Association. I have passionately served Mandurah as a councillor since 2001. I am independent and promote issues that benefit everyone. I listen to you, we get it done.
POLLARD, Neville
Permanent resident for three years. Property owner and/or part time resident for 30 years. Retired from financial sector three years ago. Community minded individual. Peel Health Campus community board of advice member. Mandurah Country Club member. Port Bouvard Sporting Club. Former president of Rotary Club in Perth. Special Olympics WA and Northern Link. Special affinity with people with disabilities. Issues to be addressed and supported: respecting our wonderful estuarine environment, a balanced approach, creating a safer and friendlier community environment, law and order issues (drugs) need addressing, support for small business owners and operators, review of public consultations to identify events which will put Mandurah 'on the map', provision of world standard recreational facilities, and to review the needs and make provision for people in our community with disabilities. Not the 'same-old, same-old' but a fresh set of eyes that will help make Mandurah a better place to live.
MONCK, Rebecca
Employment leadership for Coastal families. Please vote for employment, sensible action for local families/businesses. For more than five years my job is finding opportunities, creating jobs in regional centres. Served as cadet under officer, Australian Army Cadet Corps, qualified firefighter, climbed Mount Everest, community radio presenter, Sir Charles Court young leader, WA Lions Club community excellence awardee. What's important? 1. Youth and mature employment through growth in local small business/tourism. 2. Every person feels safe and included; from children to our retirees and volunteer base. 3. Participation in and funding for local sporting clubs, community programs/facilities and arts. 4. Protection of our unique estuary and coast. My family and I are locals of three decades. I own my own home near Falcon Primary School. I encourage you to call in anytime. Please vote for employment and balanced, sensible action for Coastal families.
RIEBELING, Fred
Fred Riebeling brings experience to council. Former Roebourne Shire p0resident, Speaker of Parliament, Clerk of Courts, serving Mandurah Councillor. I stand for 1. Lower rates: I was the only councillor to vote for a CPI increase in rates in the last four budgets. This resulted in lower rate increases. 2. No paid parking: I've opposed the introduction of paid parking and made it harder for future councils to introduce. 3. Mosquito Control: I've been instrumental in introducing better management and secured an extra $4 million to tackle this problem. 4. Protecting the Estuary: I opposed the Point Grey development and fought the development of high rise in Erskine. Promised and delivered two general rubbish vouchers for rate payers. I urge you to vote for myself so I can continue to be a strong voice on council, supporting issues that protect the quality of our environment and services that you need.
EAST WARD
ROGERS, Matt
I am proud to have grown up in Mandurah, however there is more we can do to get the basics right. This means better transportation and traffic management, improved streetscapes, supporting local business, growing a healthier City and increasing opportunities for our youth. I was educated locally, and work as a City Planner at an architecture and design studio and am currently completing an Urban and Regional Planning degree. I am the 2014 PIA WA Young Planner of the Year and volunteer on numerous community boards and organisations. If you lend me your support I pledge the following; increase cycleways and pedestrian infrastructure, sustainable development and environmental protection, investment in parks and open spaces for a healthier city, innovative ways to improving service delivery and consultation, increased community safety, and promoting Mandurah as a place of activity, events, culture and the arts. I hope I can count on your support.
JONES, Shane
For 30 years my wife and I have lived in Mandurah, we're local and have three children and one granddaughter. As councillor for the last eight years I have worked hard to represent you. My experience means I understand the community's needs and expectations. Community safety is my biggest priority. People need to feel safe and we need to protect our unique waterways and local environment with sensible planning and traffic management. I support local tourism, our local arts groups and small businesses. We need to promote activities that create jobs. I've always been there for community groups, sporting organisations and our local volunteers, who are the backbone of our city. I promise to keep working hard for you and your family. To be honest, humble and I'll continue to listen to my community. I'm committed to doing everything I can to make Mandurah a great place to live.
NORTH WARD
WARD, Jo
My passion for the community of Mandurah has been a major part of my life for more than 42 years, other than eight years working away to gain additional skills in local government public service. I have lived studied and worked in the Mandurah/Peel area during that time. As a youth and thanks to my family's commitment to being actively involved in the community of Mandurah, I participated in many activities which supported the Keep Australia Beautiful Committee. This community passion was further developed while living in the Pilbara. I was a member of The Pilbara Development Commission Future Leaders Committee and also the Pilbara Black Rock Stakes Fundraising Committee. With 20 years as a Public Servant in Local Government my skills and understanding of local government issues would be of a benefit to the Community of Mandurah, to ensure their views are considered during the decision making process.
KNIGHT, Caroline
I'm an active community member in the North Ward where I've lived with my husband and two children for 22 years. My qualifications include a science degree and I work in health care. My experience includes involvement in numerous community groups as well as being your councillor for the past four years. Mandurah deserves to have sustainable growth, investment in youth education, employment and provide for our seniors. I'm advocating support for local business and improved traffic outcomes. One of my passions is the natural environment of our region and its precious waterways. I will make sure planning decisions are open, transparent and reflective of community wishes. Working part-time gives me the opportunity to be a strong representative voice. I always conduct myself with integrity and honesty. I will make independent, practical decisions to ensure the best facilities, services and affordable lifestyle choices are delivered to this great community.
KING, Ashley
Strong experienced leadership. I am currently the principal at Meadow Springs Primary School and have led the growth of this large community since 2012. Prior to this I was the principal at Dudley Park. I have been a school principal for 18 years. I am a proven and experienced leader who first moved to Mandurah in 1994. Living and working in the North Ward, my work and life has grown with our community and its people. I am married with three sons and I am proud to say that Mandurah has been a significant part of our lives for two decades. Mandurah needs strong leadership within its local government and it is the people through council that I will continue to support, represent and lead. Please vote for me so I can listen to your advice, push our community forward, and use my leadership experience to build a better Mandurah.
WORTLEY, Ron
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I encourage you to vote in the City of Mandurah Local Government Election. I'm passionate about our community, our environment, the provision of facilities and value for your rate dollar. However it is you, that I wish to truly represent. Your opinion is important to me, together with your aspirations for Mandurah's future. Your vote will ensure your view is considered in council. You will make a difference, together we can ensure employment, education and local business are supported. Married to Cindy, our family have lived in the North Ward for 22 years. I'm 55 years old, proudly a Mandurah councillor for 10 years. I support: local sporting organisations, resident and community associations, community policing and emergency services, Cancer Council Relay for Life, Mandurah Coast Care, Mandurah's Disability Access and Inclusion Group, Mandurah Road Wise, Mandurah's youth and Indigenous people.
SUTTON, Zoe
Since moving to Mandurah in 2008 I have been involved in a number of local community groups. These being Mandurah Water Rescue, the local soup kitchen, and the young women's program at Billy Dower Youth Centre. In 2011 I was awarded by the City of Mandurah the Active Citizenship Award for persons under 25. Presently I am studying anthropology and sociology at the University of Western Australia while also working part time at a locally owned business. I have a passion for helping the community and in particular the social issues facing the youth of Mandurah. I believe I have a unique perspective and can help with the challenges facing the young people of Mandurah. I am dedicated to the wetland maintenance and preservation, reef development, and sustainable fishing in Mandurah as I believe that this unique environment is key to Mandurah's lifestyle as well as ecotourism in our City.
PEATLING, Robert
I started living in Mandurah almost 25 years ago. I am a happy-go-lucky, no stress character. All of my friends and family will tell you I'm pretty laid back and funny. The reason I have sought after a position with the Mandurah council is that I believe we need some young matured minds to see the development and infrastructure thrive in what could/will be an exciting and prosperous new direction for our city. Out with the old, in with the new. I will deliver sustainability, passion and determination to this city and this is why. I have made a good connection throughout the community as I have worked in several different occupations varying from customer service to warehouse and distribution. I currently work at Brownes dairy and my clients treat me like second family. I look forward to making a damn good stance for a new direction.
ROGERS, Peter
As your current councillor, I'm dedicated to representing our community through my passionate, commonsense and independent approach. Elected in February 2014, I've delivered on my promises to ensure efficient spending of ratepayer funds - meaning more money in your back pocket. Together we've achieved some great things in my short term, including pledged projects for city revitalisation, economic development and community engagement. However, there is still more to be done. I will continue working towards sustainable development, protection of our waterways, increased tourism opportunities, support to small business, excellent city services, community safety and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. Mandurah needs to strike a balance between maintaining its unique heritage and developing new, exciting opportunities for residents. Ratepayers deserve a councillor they can trust; someone with an open door policy. I ask for your support to continue the good work we've started.
SMITH, Veronica
As your representative, my focus will be to support the development of small and medium enterprise in the City of Mandurah. The unique issues they experience need to be addressed by someone who genuinely understands, is experienced and has the ability to influence positive change. I will also be advocating to address the issue of youth unemployment in this region, the 10th highest in the country. As a business consultant, I understand the issues that businesses are faced with on a daily basis. I am also employed in schools as a career educator and coach and work with youth and their parents. I am known for my ability to understand issues and create solutions. I have excellent communication skills and am an action taker. I am married and am mum to six sons. I have lived and worked in the Peel region for more than 15 years.